KATSEYE and BOYNEXTDOOR Close Out Lollapalooza Chicago
The final day of Lollapalooza Chicago 2025 belonged to HYBE Labels' rising stars. As the sun blazed over Grant Park on Sunday, two of K-pop's most promising acts delivered performances that felt less like festival sets and more like declarations of intent. KATSEYE and BOYNEXTDOOR didn't just close out the four-day festival – they announced their arrival on the global stage with thunderous applause.
Two Acts, Two Stages, One Unforgettable Finale
What made Sunday's performances so compelling wasn't just the individual talent on display, but how each group brought distinctly different energy that perfectly complemented the festival's grand finale. KATSEYE commanded the main T-Mobile Stage with theatrical flair and cross-cultural appeal, while BOYNEXTDOOR transformed the Lakeshore Stage into their personal playground with raw stage presence and undeniable charisma.
Both groups are still in their nascent years, yet their Sunday performances demonstrated a maturity and confidence that suggested much bigger things ahead. This wasn't just about closing out a festival – it was about opening doors to a new chapter in their careers.
KATSEYE: Main Stage Magic
For KATSEYE – Manon, Daniela, Sophia, Megan, Lara, and Yoonchae – stepping onto Lollapalooza's main stage represented a career-defining moment. Formed through the 2023 HYBE x Geffen global girl group audition program "Dream Academy," this was their first-ever major festival appearance, and the stakes couldn't have been higher.
"It's our first festival ever," Manon shared the day before their performance. "We've worked so hard for it, and now we're at a point where we're just ready to take over the stage and let Chicago know who we are."
And take over they did. Their set leaned heavily on their latest project "Beautiful Chaos," showcasing tracks like "M.I.A.," "Mean Girls," and the chart-topping "Gnarly." But it was their performance of sultry lead single "Gabriela" that truly stole the show, complete with a surprise tango-inspired dance break that the members had perfected through overnight rehearsal sessions.
The group also treated fans to earlier favorites like "Touch" and "Debut," creating a setlist that painted the full picture of their artistic journey. While some vocal moments were uneven – understandable given the magnitude of the moment – the visual spectacle and sheer charisma more than compensated.
"I think it's insane to see the growth and the journey we've been on in just one year," Daniela reflected. "The fact that we're here, on a main stage at Lollapalooza, is unbelievable. We're just so grateful."
BOYNEXTDOOR: Stage Commanding Confidence
Just an hour before KATSEYE's main stage spectacular, BOYNEXTDOOR was busy proving that stage size doesn't determine impact. The six-member group – Sungho, Riwoo, Myung Jae-hyun, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak – transformed the Lakeshore Stage into something much bigger than its physical boundaries.
Their 11-song set was a masterclass in crowd control and energy management. High-octane tracks like "Dangerous" and "Earth, Wind & Fire" had the audience moving from the first note, while fan favorites "123-78" and "Serenade" created sing-along moments that transcended language barriers.
What was most impressive was how effortlessly they commanded the stage. Despite being early in their careers, there were no signs of festival nerves or uncertainty. Instead, they fed off the energy of an ecstatic crowd that included both devoted ONEDOOR fans and curious newcomers to the K-pop genre.
"This whole moment feels like a dream," they shared with the audience, speaking in English they had been learning specifically for this American debut. "We want to come back, and next time, we'll bring even greater songs."
Industry Promise Fulfilled
What made Sunday's performances so significant wasn't just the immediate impact, but what they represented for the future. Both KATSEYE and BOYNEXTDOOR used their Lollapalooza platform to prove they're ready for the next level of their careers.
KATSEYE's main stage debut validated their position as global contenders, while BOYNEXTDOOR's commanding presence suggested they're ready to outgrow any limitations placed on them. Together, they represented the best of what HYBE Labels' international expansion can achieve – authentic artistry that translates across cultural boundaries.
Looking Forward
As Lollapalooza Chicago 2025 concluded with these two powerhouse performances, it was clear that audiences had witnessed something special. These weren't just closing acts; they were opening statements for what promises to be an exciting next chapter in both groups' careers.
The showmanship was undeniable, the industry promise was fulfilled, and the future looks incredibly bright. KATSEYE and BOYNEXTDOOR didn't just close out Lollapalooza – they opened up new possibilities for what K-pop's global expansion can achieve.
For fans who were there and those watching from around the world, Sunday's performances will be remembered as the moment two rising stars truly arrived on the global stage. The question isn't whether they'll be back – it's how much bigger the stages will be when they return.